Replace Traditional Window Treatments: The Modern Alternative Taking Over In 2026

TL;DR

Prime Big Deal Days · Oct 6–7Offer from Amazon

Get your home office setup delivered free — and shop member deals

• Fast, free delivery on millions of items
• Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
• Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included

Start your free Prime trial →Free trial for eligible customers · Cancel anytime

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.Hide

Roman shades are drawing renewed attention as a modern alternative to ornate curtains and traditional drapes. Hunker reports that Google searches for “Roman shades” are up 50% from last year, while an Apartment Therapy design report found more than one-third of surveyed designers favored relaxed Roman shades. The figures indicate interest and designer preference, not proof that the style is replacing curtains across homes.

Roman shades are gaining attention as a modern alternative to ornate curtains and traditional drapes, according to a 2026 Hunker report citing rising online searches and designer survey results. The development reflects a shift in design interest toward cleaner, softer window coverings, though the available figures do not establish that Roman shades are taking over the wider market.

Hunker reports that Google Trends searches for “Roman shades” increased 50% from the prior year. That number measures search interest over the comparison period; it does not show how many shades have been bought or installed. The report does not specify the exact dates, geographic scope or underlying search-volume figures, so the comparison should be read as an indicator of attention rather than sales growth.

A separate source cited by Hunker, Apartment Therapy’s The State of Home Design 2026 report, found that more than one-third of designers surveyed agreed that relaxed Roman shades were at the forefront of window-treatment trends. The source material does not provide the survey’s sample size or full methodology. Its finding points to a professional design preference, not a universal consensus among designers or homeowners.

Roman shades fold up in sections and are available in different shapes, including soft-fold and relaxed styles. Hunker describes them as offering a more tailored appearance than elaborate drapes while retaining a softer look than some rigid window coverings. Depending on the product and installation, shades can also provide adjustable light control and fit within a window frame, leaving less fabric around the opening. Those features vary by design and should be checked before purchase.

What the Shift Could Mean for Homeowners

For homeowners considering a room update, the reported interest in Roman shades offers another option between full-length curtains and hard window coverings. Their compact appearance may suit rooms where heavy fabric feels visually crowded, while a broad choice of materials lets shoppers match the shade to different interiors. The trend could also encourage designers and retailers to offer more styles, but the cited report does not document changes in product availability or sales.

Roman shades may help with light adjustment and privacy, but they are not interchangeable with every curtain or blind. Fabric, lining, fit and operating mechanism affect how much light enters and whether a shade blocks views. People comparing options should consider the room’s needs, window dimensions, cleaning requirements and whether the chosen material is suitable for the amount of sunlight it receives.

Cost is not fixed by the style. Hunker says Roman shades are sold across a range of price points and notes that some homeowners may make a version themselves using a no-sew glue method. DIY work can reduce upfront costs, but the report gives no comparative prices or instructions, and finished results depend on materials and workmanship. Custom sizing and higher-end fabric can add expense.

Why Designers Are Revisiting Roman Shades

Roman shades are not a new invention; the 2026 report describes them as an established style receiving renewed attention. The design contrast is with ornate curtains featuring ruffles, valances or tie-back tassels, which Hunker says may look dated in some contemporary rooms. Such treatments can still suit period homes or interiors deliberately designed around a traditional look. The report presents a preference, not a rule that older styles have disappeared.

Interior designer Jennifer McKissick, speaking to The Spruce as quoted by Hunker, said Roman shades use less fabric than long drapery, which can make more expensive textiles feasible. Her estimate was that shades require about one-fourth as much fabric as long curtains. That is an attributed design observation; the amount will depend on the window, shade construction and curtain dimensions.

Hunker points to linen blends that can hold defined folds and velvet for a more dramatic effect as possible material choices. These examples illustrate how the same basic shade format can look casual or formal. Fabric selection affects the final appearance and performance, so the trend does not imply one standard Roman-shade design.

“They require about one-fourth of the fabric that long drapery requires, making them a great option to incorporate more expensive fabrics into your space.”

— Jennifer McKissick, interior designer, in a statement to The Spruce quoted by Hunker

What the Trend Figures Do Not Show

The source material does not establish whether increased searches have led to higher purchases, nor does it provide retail sales data, installation figures or a market share comparison with curtains and other shades. The phrase “taking over” is therefore stronger than the evidence presented: the figures show search interest and surveyed designer opinion, not widespread replacement in homes.

Important details behind both statistics are also absent from the supplied report. The Google Trends comparison lacks a stated date range, geography and raw search values, while the Apartment Therapy summary does not give the survey sample size or respondent details. The findings cannot be used to measure how many homeowners prefer Roman shades or how the trend varies by location.

Practical performance remains product-specific. The report does not compare Roman shades with curtains on insulation, noise reduction, durability, cleaning or total cost. It also does not establish that all Roman shades are easy to install or offer the same degree of light control. Those questions depend on the particular product, window and installation.

What Shoppers Should Check Before Choosing

The next step for consumers is to compare specific products rather than relying on the trend label. Shoppers can check measurements, mounting options, fabric and lining, operating controls, cleaning instructions and how the shade handles privacy and daylight. Requesting samples or viewing a shade in a showroom may help assess color and texture in the room’s actual lighting.

Anyone weighing a DIY version against a custom product should compare material costs and the time required with the price of ready-made or professionally fitted shades. The source material offers no standard cost estimate. Retail availability and pricing will depend on the retailer, dimensions and fabric, and the cited report does not forecast how long the 2026 trend will last.

For now, the reported indicators point to growing design attention rather than a confirmed industry-wide change. Further sales data and more detail about the search and designer-survey methods would help establish whether that interest is translating into broader adoption.

Key Questions

Are Roman shades replacing traditional curtains?

Not according to the figures cited. Hunker reports rising search interest and a designer survey finding, but it does not provide sales or installation data showing that Roman shades are broadly replacing curtains.

How much did searches for Roman shades increase?

Hunker says Google Trends searches for “Roman shades” rose 50% from the prior year. The report does not state the exact comparison dates, geographic scope or raw search volume.

What kinds of Roman shades are part of the trend?

The report mentions relaxed and soft-fold styles. It also describes options in fabrics such as linen blends and velvet; appearance and function depend on the specific design and material.

Are Roman shades less expensive than curtains?

There is no single price comparison in the report. Hunker says Roman shades are available at various price points, while designer Jennifer McKissick said they use less fabric than long drapery. Custom sizing, fabric and installation can affect the final cost.

Source: rss